Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced it has entered into a
multi-year licensing agreement with Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the
world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, related to
the use of Illumina’s next-generation sequencing technology for clinical
laboratory testing.
Among the terms, Quest will have broad rights to use Illumina’s
sequencing and genotyping technology, including the MiSeq® platform and
related consumables, to develop, validate and offer molecular
laboratory-developed tests for several disease states to clinicians in
the United States. Quest also has rights to use the Illumina equipment
as biomarker test services in clinical trials performed on behalf of its
pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other clients.
“Quest’s science and innovation strategy is focused on accelerating the
introduction of clinically meaningful diagnostic solutions that aid the
management of the individual patient across a continuum of care,
promoting better outcomes,” said Jay Wohlgemuth, M.D., Senior Vice
President, Science and Innovation, Quest Diagnostics. “Investing in
next-generation sequencing, which is increasingly used in several
clinical areas as well as clinical trials, is a key element of our
strategy. Illumina is a leader in NGS innovation, and this new broad
agreement will give us a greater level of flexibility to build on our
record of success in NGS to include several diseases where
sequencing-based molecular testing can meaningfully improve clinical
care.”
In 2013, Quest introduced new clinical testing services based on
Illumina next-generation sequencing technology under limited agreements.
The new agreement broadens the range of applications for which Quest may
use the Illumina technology, including several cancers and neurological
and women’s health disorders.
DNA sequencing is a process that determines the order of individual
nucleotides of DNA molecules across a single gene, several genes or a
full genome. Unlike older technologies, next-generation sequencing
platforms can sequence multiple molecules simultaneously, providing
greater information about the genetic basis of disease for lower cost.
“We are excited to support Quest’s further expansion into
next-generation sequencing,” said Nick Naclerio, Illumina’s Senior Vice
President of Corporate and Venture Development. “Quest’s advanced
development capabilities and vast clinician network will help bring the
power of next-generation sequencing to an ever larger range of patients
around the U.S.”
About Illumina
Illumina (www.illumina.com)
is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools
and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and
function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for
genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene
expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA, and
protein. We also provide tools and services that are fueling advances in
consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products
accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way
for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are
detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in
information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of
which are released beforehand. We do not intend to update any
forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
Copyright Business Wire 2014